Mary Jane Dukes Allen

Mary Jane Dukes Allen, of Madison, Alabama passed away on Sunday, Septemeber 10th, 2023 due to a rare cancer that she fought fiercely for over six years. Her bravery and will to live was an inspiration to all that knew her, even to her physicians who helped her in her fight. She was always a woman of stregth and tenacity, but also the kindest heart. She was born in Grove Hill, AL and raised in Auburn, AL, where she attended Auburn University and earned her B.Ed to become a teacher. She started teaching older children while in Auburn. After taking some time off to enjoy time as a wife and mother, and moving to Madison, she found her calling in teaching preschool for almost thirty years at Madison United Methodist Church in the Mother's Morning Out program (MMO). She loved the children and they loved her, over the years she received many graduation announcements from those same children that she laid the foundation and love of learning for, all those years ago. She was preceeded in death by her parents, Ovid "Red" Modlin Dukes and Mary Eleanor Goodwin Dukes. She is survived by, Peter Ward Allen (husband), Laura Suzanne Allen (daughter), Phillip John Ward Allen (son), Rebecca Katherine Glenn (daughter-in-law), Kristin Elizabeth Jeannette Glenn (granddaughter), three beautiful sisters (Peggy Gilkes, Sue Justice, and Anne Ingram). She is also survived by so many beloved brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many cousins, and great friends. She will be missed beyond measure. There are never enough words to sum up a life well lived, so many precious moments that are so valuable to family and friends. She will be with us in spirit as we try to continue on without her. Most importantly, she was surrounded by her loving family in her last days, and as she passed on to her eternal life, where there is no suffering, and she can be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Services are scheduled for Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Madison Methodist Church, 127 Church Street, Madison, AL 35758 at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate donations to MD Anderson Cancer Center for the sarcoma division in her honor, in Houston, TX.